Ick, Ticks!

The beautiful Palouse is home to many species of wildlife, including several species of ticks. Ticks are blood-sucking parasites that are in the arachnid family of insects. While they certainly are creepy-crawly, they can also transmit dangerous diseases to their hosts, including Lyme Disease, Ehrlichiosis, and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Fortunately, the rate of transmission of these dangerous diseases to our canine friends is relatively low in the Pacific Northwest, compared to elsewhere in the United States. Even so, local tick bites are still dangerous and can result in paralysis in some cases.

Alpine Animal Hospital recommends tick prevention via safe medications that are available in our office. We do not recommend over-the-counter flea & tick treatments available at the grocery store or pet store, as they often contain harmful and dangerous pesticides and chemicals. Unfortunately, they are simply not very effective, and we have seen some very serious side effects following application of these products. Instead, we recommend safe and effective treatments conveniently located in our hospital. Frontline Plus is available for both dogs and cats, and is a topical product that is easily applied to the skin on the back of the neck once monthly. Side effects are rare and generally mild, including skin irritation at the site of application.

We are excited to announce a new product that is already a favorite – Bravecto is a chewable tablet for dogs only that provides continual protection against both fleas and ticks for 12 weeks! For the average “tick season” on the Palouse, only two consecutive doses would be needed. Side effects are incredibly mild and uncommon.

This spring, we are experiencing a prolific tick season – many reports of tick sightings all over the Palouse. Please stop by today to pick up your pet’s tick control treatments!